Police lobby to remain exempt from law against prostitution

The Hawaii bill aims to ratchet up penalties on johns and pimps but would keep the selling of sex a petty misdemeanor.

Honolulu police officers have urged lawmakers to keep an exemption in state law that allows undercover officers to have sex with prostitutes during investigations, touching off a heated debate.

Authorities say they need the legal protection to catch lawbreakers in the act. Critics, including human trafficking experts and other police, say it's unnecessary and can further victimize sex workers, many of whom have been forced into the trade.

Police haven't said how often or even whether they use the provision. But when they asked legislators to preserve it, they made assurances that internal policies and procedures are in place to prevent officers from taking advantage of it.

But expert Derek Marsh says the exemption is "antiquated at best" and that police can easily do their jobs without it.

"It doesn't help your case, and at worst you further traumatize someone. And do you think he or she is going to trust a cop again?" asked Marsh, who trains California police in best practices on human trafficking cases and twice has testified to Congress about the issue.

A Hawaii bill cracking down on prostitution was originally written to do away with the sex exemption for officers on duty, but it was amended to restore that protection after police testimony. The revised proposal has passed the state House and was set to go before a Senate committee Friday.

It's not immediately clear whether there are similar provisions in place elsewhere either at the state law or department policy level. But advocates were shocked that Hawaii provides an exemption to prostitution laws for police, suggesting it's an invitation for misconduct.

"Police abuse is part of the life of prostitution," said Melissa Farley, executive director of a San Francisco-based group called Prostitution Research and Education. Farley said that in places without such police protections, "women who have escaped prostitution" commonly report being coerced into giving police sexual favors to keep from being arrested or harassed.

The Hawaii bill aims to ratchet up penalties on johns and pimps but would keep the selling of sex a petty misdemeanor.

During recent testimony, Honolulu police said the sex exemption protects investigations and should remain in place. They say police aren't abusing their authority by taking advantage of sex workers, and that strict internal controls prohibit misconduct.

"The procedures and conduct of the undercover officers are regulated by department rules, which by nature have to be confidential," Honolulu police Maj. Jerry Inouye told the House Judiciary Committee. "Because if prostitution suspects, pimps and other people are privy to that information, they're going to know exactly how far the undercover officer can and cannot go."

Democratic state Rep. Karl Rhoads, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, said Inouye's testimony persuaded him to amend the proposal.

"It's a really murky area," said Rhoads, who represents a district that includes Honolulu's Chinatown, a long-standing epicenter of street prostitution. "I was reluctant to interfere in something that they face all the time. If they think it's necessary to not have it in the statute, this is one area where I did defer to them and say, I hope you're not having sex with prostitutes.'"

Critics say the police perspective is off base. Lauren Hersh, a former prosecuting attorney who runs the global trafficking program of a women's advocacy group called Equality Now, said the risk of re-victimizing a sex worker, who may already have been trafficked, should make sex during an investigation off-limits.

"I can understand you're in a drug den and you have a gun to your head and someone says, Snort this,'" Hersh said, acknowledging the gray areas associated with undercover police work. But the sex exemption in Hawaii is "so dissimilar from that circumstance on so many levels."

There have been instances of police being accused of victimizing sex workers across the nation. In Philadelphia a former officer is being tried on charges of raping two prostitutes after forcing them at gunpoint to take narcotics. A former West Sacramento, Calif., officer is awaiting sentencing after being found guilty of raping prostitutes in his police cruiser while on patrol. And last year in Massachusetts, a former police officer pleaded guilty to extorting sex from prostitutes he threatened with arrest.

Rep. Rhoads said he knew of no reason to believe Honolulu police are out of line.

"All allegations of misconduct are investigated and the appropriate disciplinary action taken," Michelle Yu, Honolulu police spokeswoman, said in an email.

It's not clear, however, what the punishment would be. The disclosure laws for police misconduct in Hawaii make it impossible to know whether an on-duty officer had been disciplined for, or accused of, having sex with a prostitute.

Vice officers who investigate prostitution haven't been accused of sexual wrongdoing in recent memory, Yu said. A parole officer in 2011 was fired after being convicted of sexual assault against a prostitute, she said.

Skeptics, such as Roger Young, a retired special agent who for more than 20 years investigated sex crimes for the FBI from Las Vegas and has trained vice squads around the country, remain unconvinced.

Young said Thursday, "I don't know of any state or federal law that allows any law enforcement officer undercover to penetrate or do what this law is allowing."

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auanursewrote:

Sounds like entrapment to me!!

on March 21,2014 | 01:54AM

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BuhByeAlohawrote:

Take one for the team!

on March 21,2014 | 07:09AM

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HIEwrote:

Oof 'em, Danno!

on March 21,2014 | 07:52AM

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Heinbearwrote:

good one!

on March 21,2014 | 08:23AM

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HAJAA1wrote:

LOL

on March 21,2014 | 09:11AM

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PCWarriorwrote:

Danno is a very small dude.

on March 21,2014 | 10:09AM

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mineeyeswrote:

Das why he won't be convicted of penetration.

on March 21,2014 | 01:28PM

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kewalosurferwrote:

too funny!

on March 21,2014 | 09:35AM

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geralddeheerwrote:

Failure to comply is Der-erection of duty....I'll go away now.

on March 21,2014 | 10:17AM

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Skylerwrote:

bye.. ._.

on March 21,2014 | 11:31AM

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soundofreasonwrote:

More like an excuse.

on March 21,2014 | 07:32AM

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sjeanwrote:

Only if the officer ejaculates?

on March 21,2014 | 11:52AM

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richierichwrote:

Prostitution should be legalized, regulated and taxed. Only then will we remove the criminal element that plagues the industry. HPD has better things to do then waisting our tax dollars policing non-violent acts between consenting adults.

on March 22,2014 | 10:49AM

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LMOwrote:

Can they name a single case in which this exemption was useful...other than cops getting their jollies off?

on March 21,2014 | 02:39AM

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seriouswrote:

I wonder what their wives say? Since this is a Democratic gay state--it brings up a number of questions and situations!!!!

on March 21,2014 | 06:44AM

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KeithHaugenwrote:

Are homosexual officers required to have sex with the opposite sex, or only those of the same sex? Lots of questions, and no good answers.

on March 21,2014 | 06:59AM

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localguywrote:

All in the line of duty. Must be fair to everyone. No discrimination.

on March 21,2014 | 07:06AM

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EightOEightwrote:

KeithHaugen, why do you need to know this and what is the relevance to knowing the answer?

on March 21,2014 | 07:15AM

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EightOEightwrote:

serious, "Since this is a Democratic gay state--it brings up a number of questions and situations"...meaning what exactly??

on March 21,2014 | 07:12AM

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HanabataDayswrote:

Evidently it "brings something up" for him, anyway.

on March 21,2014 | 07:40AM

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ellinaskyrtwrote:

*LOL*

on March 21,2014 | 08:15AM

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mineeyeswrote:

C'mon das their wives!

on March 22,2014 | 12:03AM

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soundofreasonwrote:

They're LAUGHING at you on FoxNews' front page right now.

And let's not forget your stellar performance with this "ability"....In one year, Honolulu police made more than 200 prostitution arrests. But only one of those arrests involved a pimp — and he was never charged. .........."

So..........it ain't workin'. Vegas can manage to arrest their prostitutes without this. I think it's time we step it up a notch eh?

while i understand why the police department thinks they need this exemption to further their investigations into prostitution, it is a slippery slope and should be denied emphatically.

on March 21,2014 | 04:29AM

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HawaiiCheeseBallwrote:

I wonder what happens if an officer engaging in sex with a prostitute while on the job contracts an STD or HIV/AIDS? I'm assuming that the Officer will practice "safe sex", but safe sex practices are not 100% effective against STDs (condoms do break). I guess it becomes a workman's comp issue. What if an officer impregnates a prostitute is the City somehow liable for child support? What if the prostitute is under age and being trafficked? As a matter of policy do we really want to green light officers having sex with trafficked underage prostitute in the name of "investigation"? You make a good point, this is indeed a slippery slope.

on March 21,2014 | 10:46AM

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Dannerdowrote:

Do female HPD officers engage in sex with strangers as part of their investigations? Or male officers with other males Johns? I'll bet not. This "murky" exemption is ridiculous, allows the continued victimization of women, and lowers the community's respect for our police department.

on March 21,2014 | 05:07AM

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KeithHaugenwrote:

And what do the wifes and husbands of police officers who have sex with prostitutes, or pose as prostitutes to have sex with men think of this practice and the law?

on March 21,2014 | 06:58AM

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localguywrote:

The more the merrier.

on March 21,2014 | 07:06AM

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Kiahunawrote:

At least he no boddah me!

on March 21,2014 | 12:24PM

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hanabatadayzwrote:

just legalize prostitution..more tourists will come..and this story would have a happy ending

on March 21,2014 | 05:19AM

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Usagi336wrote:

Happy ending. I like that. But really, maybe prostitution should be legalized, then regulated.

on March 21,2014 | 07:29AM

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sooregonianwrote:

@Hanabata -- SB1 is the legalized happy ending for tourists and locals.

on March 21,2014 | 09:53AM

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Steve96785wrote:

Far too logical a solution for our gov'ment to even consider. Legalize, monitor health and welfare and tax it like all other business. Not going to happen in Hawaii due to our puritanical missionary roots, though. "It might open the door to legalized gambling!"

on March 21,2014 | 12:49PM

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kiragirlwrote:

So only single heterosexual males need apply?

on March 21,2014 | 05:45AM

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localguywrote:

Naaahhh. HPD will take Gay, Lesbian, Straight, Transgender, Mahu, anyone who can make it through the police academy. An equal opportunity employer.

on March 21,2014 | 07:09AM

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EightOEightwrote:

Which is as it should be,

on March 21,2014 | 07:20AM

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kiragirlwrote:

I was referring to this undercover team.

on March 21,2014 | 07:34AM

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Mike174wrote:

Right Dannerdo! no kidding!
"They made assurances that internal policies and procedures are in place to prevent officers from taking advantage of it". Ok, right...

on March 21,2014 | 06:04AM

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Dawgwrote:

Sweeeeeeeeet! Come on do we all look stupid? This is really funny, but only in Hawaii.

on March 21,2014 | 06:19AM

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Maneki_Nekowrote:

Nope...it has made the national headlines too and is treated as a joke. Very sad.

on March 21,2014 | 09:25AM

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Skylerwrote:

It is a joke - I can't blame them for LOL.

on March 21,2014 | 11:33AM

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rover96720wrote:

Pride - Have pride in what you do, you are Honolulu's finest, lowering yourself to the level of those street criminals just does not cut it, ask yourself, How would my wife or husband feel if you broke your vows for the sake of your job?
Integrity - Uppermost in every officers job is the integrity of the profession. Honolulu's finest need to do their job with the integrity you took an oath to uphold.
Guts - HPD must have the 'GUTS' to find ways to perform our law enforcement duties ABOVE REPROACH and within the LAW.

on March 21,2014 | 06:20AM

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engineersoldierwrote:

This is pure BS, just like extra pay for good behavior during off-duty that SHOPO managed to work into their contract. Pure BS.

on March 21,2014 | 06:48AM

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KeithHaugenwrote:

Free sex for police officers pales by comparison to many of the crimes they commit. Not all, mind you, but many believe they are alreeady above the law.

on March 21,2014 | 06:51AM

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butterywrote:

IRT: Keith. I agree, not all, but some HP officers believe they are above the law. Like other occupations, you have your good and bad, however, the police union president have shown he is above the law. I have the opinion, the HPD union runs the police department not the Chief. Imagine a police office saying to their lover, etc. "I have special duty tonight, will have sex with prostitute in order to "nail down arrest" on prostitution charges! Who would volunteer? A condom (may) protect intercourse infections but there are other kinds of disease! I have too believe this is voluntary!

on March 21,2014 | 11:07AM

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caroleywrote:

You got to be kidding.....

on March 21,2014 | 06:53AM

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localguywrote:

I would ask the HPD chief to explain to the public how many other law enforcement agencies in the USA, to include the FBI, CIA, all use the procedures HPD is asking to use. If the answer is less than enough to support the request, drop it. No reason to willfully look like a bunch of Keystone Kops.

on March 21,2014 | 07:05AM

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palaniwrote:

Ah, the fringe benefits of civil service!

on March 21,2014 | 07:09AM

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soundofreasonwrote:

They're LAUGHING at you on FoxNews' front page right now.

And let's not forget your stellar performance with this "ability"....In one year, Honolulu police made more than 200 prostitution arrests. But only one of those arrests involved a pimp — and he was never charged. .........."

So..........it ain't workin'. Vegas can manage to arrest their prostitutes without this. I think it's time we step it up a notch eh?

You get the public schools and police departments you deserve. Obviously, Hawaii is paying for decades of an utter lack of logic, professionalism and ethics in government. This news is so bizarre that it has now made headlines around the world. No other police department has this authority or disregard for the laws they are supposed to enforce, anywhere in the free world.

on March 21,2014 | 07:16AM

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livinginhawaiiwrote:

I thought this was a SHOPO union benefit?

on March 21,2014 | 07:23AM

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richierichwrote:

If it is not illegal for an undercover police officer to procure the services of a prostitute is it illegal for a prostitute to offer her services to an undercover police officer? Where's Michael Green when you need him.

on March 21,2014 | 07:24AM

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nippy68wrote:

do they hire part time police officer jobs!!!!???

on March 21,2014 | 07:24AM

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soundofreasonwrote:

They're laughing at this on FoxNews main page right now.

on March 21,2014 | 07:28AM

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waokelewrote:

Heard Sen. David Vitter wants to move here and be Sen. and work for HPD. Why to go HPD and Rep. Rhoads. Once again Hawaii is the joke of the country.

on March 21,2014 | 07:28AM

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soundofreasonwrote:

And let's not forget the "stellar" performance Civil Beat pointed out in their article with this "necessary" ability. One pimp per year arrested.

on March 21,2014 | 07:29AM

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soundofreasonwrote:

Comment sent for approval?

on March 21,2014 | 07:30AM

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soundofreasonwrote:

Why don't they check with Vegas to see how real cops get this done without having to do this.

on March 21,2014 | 07:31AM

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pab123wrote:

"Sorry honey I had too. It's only for God, country and county. You know its part of the job sweetie."

on March 21,2014 | 07:31AM

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soundofreasonwrote:

Don't forget the stellar performance with this "ability" - TWO piiimps in TWO years arrested and one of those were not charged

on March 21,2014 | 07:35AM

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HanabataDayswrote:

I have to assume the revised law only specifies SINGLE undercover officers ...?

on March 21,2014 | 07:40AM

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calohawrote:

Stupid. They don't need immunity. if this having sex was truly needed for an officer's safety or whatever real reason, the prosecutor just has to decline to bring charges or prosecute. But if the officer was abusing his position, then they don't deserve immunity.

on March 21,2014 | 07:48AM

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Slowwrote:

This story is disgusting. The sex crime FBI expert says no other state of Federal law permits sex with prostitutes as part of the job. And Hawaii's finest cannot find a single instance where this behavior has resulted in a conviction. Why not? I am no skeptic but are the police hiding their extortion for sex game? They can't come clean inany other meaningful way so we keep the tradition alive. I wonder if SHOPO leader and active duty poilce man, Tenari Maafala, he whose Mormon beliefs over-ride the law, has screwed prostitutes. Was fun, eh brah? But no matter. After all the HPD has assured of us of it's secret ,but undoubtedly effective, "strict internal controls (that) prohibit misconduct."

on March 21,2014 | 07:48AM

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GoldenRulewrote:

This comment has been deleted.

on March 21,2014 | 08:06AM

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Skylerwrote:

It'll hit the night comedy circuit if it hasn't already. It was picked up by Drudge report as of last night.

on March 21,2014 | 11:39AM

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AhiPokewrote:

As already stated, this is more BS. I find it difficult to believe the "exemption protects investigations". Events have already shown that many police officers are on the edge of lawlessness and many are already shaking down businesses for freebies.

on March 21,2014 | 08:06AM

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kainaluwrote:

Where can I sign up for this easy-money gig?

on March 21,2014 | 08:20AM

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Skylerwrote:

Become a prostitute & they'll come to you...

on March 21,2014 | 11:38AM

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inversewrote:

For HPD and Tenari same sex marriages in Hawaii are crimes against humanity but 'penetration' of prosti tubes by HPD officers are okey and legal?

on March 21,2014 | 08:22AM

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Heinbearwrote:

I had to look at the calendar to see if it was already April Fool's Day when I saw this headline! Police can have sex with prostitutes..For Real?? "touching off a heated debate"--interesting choice of words..lol!

on March 21,2014 | 08:22AM

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Hilofrankwrote:

As if they don't do that already....

on March 21,2014 | 08:44AM

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Anonymouswrote:

What happens if the officer catches the STD ?? Can the HPD handle the suit by the innocent partner ?? AWWW COME ON MAN !!

on March 21,2014 | 08:32AM

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Tanukiwrote:

Then they get to draw workman's comp.

on March 21,2014 | 09:02AM

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jakwawrote:

Only in HAWAII…Any they're supposed to uphold the law! Give me a break!

on March 21,2014 | 08:32AM

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Hilofrankwrote:

How do you expect our police to expose and penetrate the ring of prostitution in this town? Go deep into the hidden folds and underbelly of crime in Honolulu....wait..wait...that isn't coming out right...I mean....

on March 21,2014 | 08:42AM

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Maneki_Nekowrote:

Word on the street is if he's fat and smells of doughnuts, it's a trick trick.

on March 21,2014 | 09:26AM

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Hilofrankwrote:

malasadas

on March 21,2014 | 09:31AM

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Hilofrankwrote:

Wait, I think our Legislature should form a "special committee" to do their own hands on, undercover investigation. After all, the prostitutes will give them a professional courtesy because aren't the legislators in the same business? Just look at Sen. Ruderman submitting a bill for his campaign supporters to exempt them from county zoning laws.

on March 21,2014 | 08:49AM

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st1dwrote:

did titcomb submit testimony for this bill?

on March 21,2014 | 09:02AM

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Skylerwrote:

He's a good expert on the subject, for sure.

on March 21,2014 | 06:18PM

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saveparadisewrote:

There are some nasty STD's going around nowadays. Would you risk your health to have sex with any prostitute?

on March 21,2014 | 09:11AM

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HAJAA1wrote:

What great role models for our kids.

on March 21,2014 | 09:13AM

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Skylerwrote:

The New Teen Dream: "Hey Mama, I wanna be a cop in Hawaii!"

on March 21,2014 | 06:19PM

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Maneki_Nekowrote:

I just signed up for the Civilian Patrol. Available for part time under the covers work.

on March 21,2014 | 09:26AM

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CloudForestwrote:

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha DEEP BREATH ha ha ha ha ha -----> LAWS FOR THEE AND NOT FOR ME !!! So they wish to exempt themselves from the law of the land, a law that can ruin anyone else's life and tarnish them forever. Now they wish to rule over us and not to "protect and to serve". Sounds like Royalty decreeing what we the mere commoners can be allowed to do......

on March 21,2014 | 09:33AM

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blkdrgnwrote:

Where do I sign up? I can tell my wife, sorry it's my job.

on March 21,2014 | 09:59AM

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likewisewrote:

I am stunned. Literally gob smacked. This is quite shameful and a horrible reflection of our state. Congratulations HPD, we are being laughed at nationwide. And you are not fooling anybody by insisting that this is necessary part of law enforcement and protecting the public. You are supposed to serve and protect the public. Who's protecting the public from YOU.

on March 21,2014 | 10:06AM

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mayihavesumorwrote:

Bill Maher has a bit on his show "Real Time" where states compete to see which state is the dumbest. Bill, being the liberal that he is, only has southern states in the competition but I always knew Hawaii could give some stiff competition.

on March 21,2014 | 10:09AM

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iwanaknowwrote:

STD's here we come.

on March 21,2014 | 10:25AM

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Skylerwrote:

Sorry... they deserve it.

on March 21,2014 | 06:20PM

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laachangwrote:

So....are the oinks also exempt from drug use when investigating drug crimes?? And therefore, shouldn't they be "exempt" from the tattoo policy also??
Nothing makes sense any more....just sayin'

on March 21,2014 | 10:25AM

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HawaiiCheeseBallwrote:

How about we say this - it is really not OK for cops to have sex with prostitutes because a lot of the prostitutes are human trafficking victims them.selves. The message to HPD should be the ends do not justify the means, find another law enforcement method to hit the pimps.

on March 21,2014 | 10:38AM

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mccwrote:

First the police police themselves and hire back fired drug users and now.they want.to abuse prostitutes. They should not concentrate on victimless crimes and go after real criminals.

on March 21,2014 | 10:47AM

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Masamiwrote:

Has "COMMON SENSE" gone extinct?
"Do as I say, not as I do" :-(

on March 21,2014 | 10:49AM

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WalkoffBalkwrote:

The Title IX rule would have to be attached to this law. So, a male officer will have to engage in the same amount of times with male and female prostitutes equally. Female officers would have to engage in sex with prostitutes the same amount of times as the male officers.

on March 21,2014 | 10:50AM

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Lokiwrote:

Wow! Where can I apply for that job?

on March 21,2014 | 10:56AM

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likewisewrote:

Question, does the HPD supply the hooker monies? Is there a fund? How is it managed? Does one turn in receipts (do hookers give receipts?) Do they keep track of who spend the most? Do they get a prize or just the admiration of the other officers. Maybe they can come up with a meritorious service award for that.

on March 21,2014 | 11:13AM

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Masamiwrote:

No need money. They take credit/debit cards. You "work" on one side and "swipe" the other.

on March 21,2014 | 12:28PM

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Skylerwrote:

You know Hawaii has made the 'big time' when Drudge picks up the story. Omg HPD - seriously?? Is that a part of the job description now? "Must be ready to have a hard day's night when under cover."

on March 21,2014 | 11:35AM

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Maneki_Nekowrote:

Join the HPD! The pay isn't great but the fringe benefits are fabulous.

on March 21,2014 | 12:00PM

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KaneoheSJwrote:

Actually Maneki-Neko, the pay is quite good now. You are probably not aware that they also receive allowances that are included in their hourly pay to pay for such things as uniforms, etc. They also get subsidized cars and maintenance. How many jobs have that?

on March 21,2014 | 12:36PM

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Skylerwrote:

They also get shot at periodically - but having a pass for mounting prostitutes shouldn't be one of those 'allowances.'

on March 21,2014 | 06:23PM

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TYSwrote:

No wonder get so many cops in Waikiki and not patrolling Merchant St. hahahah!!!

on March 21,2014 | 11:41AM

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Compassionate_Catwrote:

I never knew they felt justified to commit crime with prostitutes, how sick. Going along with murder is no different. They can bust them for attempted prostitution or realize that the act of solicitation of their sexual services is enough. I want to sell construction is the police going to help build then busy me for not having a contractors license? This is reprehensible, stupid and unnecessarily traumatizing. This turns criminals into victims and is never marry a cop, when their complacency breaks laws.

on March 21,2014 | 11:57AM

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cojefwrote:

The Legislators or City Council did not air the issue of who will pay for medical bills, if and when sexual transmitted disease is contacted by the police who engaged with a prostitute. Better to repeal such a terrible ruling. There is no need to engage in such activities to secure evidence. Just an out for exclusivity for the police to usurp police powers. Another avenue being available for police corruption. Pandora box full of ills to occur.

on March 21,2014 | 12:00PM

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jeanneamwrote:

There is NO reason WHATSOEVER the police need to have or should be having sex with prostitutes. To further victimize victims of human/sexual trafficking is horrendous! The police are supposed to be protectors, NOT predators. Unfortunately, too many take advantage of their power.

on March 21,2014 | 12:11PM

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nitpikkerwrote:

they don't do that on tv! they've never had to go all the way to make the collar.

on March 21,2014 | 12:22PM

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Barefootiewrote:

HPD should not be allowed to 'break the law' in order to continue to be enforcers of those very same laws, that everyone must be held accountable to! It's a very slippery legal slope and HPD's excuses are flimsy to say the least! HPD and it's officers must be held to the highest standards of ethics, conduct and morality and not be allowed to becme a 'law unto themselves' in their pursuit of 'justice!'

on March 21,2014 | 12:27PM

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KaneoheSJwrote:

A crime is a crime is a crime. Police officers should not be allowed to have sex with prostitutes. It is just simply morally and ethically wrong. To allow police officers to take advantage of sex workers is to allow the continuation of the abuse.

on March 21,2014 | 12:34PM

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KaneoheSJwrote:

So we now have cops that are literally sex offenders.

on March 21,2014 | 12:39PM

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lowtone123wrote:

Talk about having your cake and eating it too! No need to arrest them until you get your rocks off. Taking care of business before taking care of business.

on March 21,2014 | 12:57PM

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likewisewrote:

Once the discussion of money in exchange for sex takes place you have your cause for arrest. Done. Actually going through with the act is not necessary. Under this theory if a undercover police person was trying to get evidence of a person contracting to put a hit on someone, they could go through with the hit and get an exemption. I know that's an extreme reach but it makes no more sense then the former.

on March 21,2014 | 12:58PM

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soundofreasonwrote:

And yet they can arrest MALE prostitutes without having to engage in THAT behavior. How convenient.

on March 21,2014 | 07:24PM

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Canefirewrote:

Remember the case few yearsa go involving ex HPD cop Michael Tarmoun? He was convicted but skipped town before sentencing.

on March 21,2014 | 10:53PM

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amelawrote:

What if the undercover cop was a woman can the john have sex with her before being arrested? I don't think so they would be arrested before a piece of clothing was removed? But for a man cop it's alright! Common sense.

on March 22,2014 | 10:35AM

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roverwrote:

I've hesitated to make a comment, because my thoughts on the subject takes me back 50yrs and the long, empty hours of stack-out & stake-out and more stake-out on a prostitute or pimp. In my three years on the squad, made many appearance in court (District & Superior), regarding prostitutes, but not one for a pimp (trafficking); although a few left town voluntarily for points unknown.
Yes, there's frustration, but that goes with the turf. I can't say that this "exception rule" is 21st century thinking and if it is, I'm old school where "one size fits all". You don't break the law to enforce the law, no matter what kind of case it may be. It is good to win the battle, but the goal is to win the war; and that's an occupation that goes back hundreds of years.
Chief Liu, Sheather, Soper, Iaukea, Big John, Dixie, Boyd, Logan, don't huli yet, Senator Hee has got it under control and Yep! he is going to "stand his ground".

on March 22,2014 | 11:15AM

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roverwrote:

Let me try again ~ Since HPD requested the "exception" to the law, I've been stewing as my thoughts went back 50yrs when a member of the squad (3yrs). The arrests were made the old fashion way, stake-out, stake-out and more long hours of stake-out. No! None of the arrests involved the pimp (trafficking), but a couple relocated back to the continent.
To violate the law to enforce the law, I just can't digest. Thirty two years as a career "law enforcement officer" and I emphasis "law enforcement", (Hawaii, Massachusetts and Federal Gov't), I applaud Senator Hee to "stand his ground" (a phrase I am not accustom using). Is this 21st Century thinking? Well apparently, there's a whole lot of "concerned citizens" who are voicing their opinions against HPD's request.